Texas voters are watching a closely contested Senate race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. James Talarico. A source close to Paxton told Fox News Digital that the Republican nominee is frustrated with limited control over his campaign’s message and spending, a concern he voiced during a September 24 lunch in Washington, D.C.
Paxton’s Remarks on Campaign Coordination
In the recorded conversation, Paxton said, “I’ve never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming — you know — from D.C.” He added, “I don’t control message or what we’re doing… I don’t have ability to change anything. So I have to live with whatever I’ve got. So it is a challenge.”
Paxton’s campaign adviser, Nick Maddux, responded that the comments refer to the legal separation between campaigns and super PACs, which are prohibited from coordinating directly on spending. Maddux emphasized that Paxton is “thankful for the support” and is actively traveling across Texas, raising money and delivering his message through a statewide television buy that began this past weekend.
Poll Snapshot Shows a Close Contest
The latest Fox News poll, conducted September 24‑28, shows Democrat Talarico holding a slight edge, 51% to 49% over Paxton. While the numbers indicate a tight race, they do not reflect a trend, as only a single data point is available.
Trump Endorsement Highlights Paxton’s Outsider Credentials
Paxton, known as a MAGA firebrand, has consistently positioned himself as an outsider to the Washington establishment. President Donald Trump issued an eleventh‑hour endorsement of Paxton ahead of the March primary runoff, underscoring the former president’s support for the Texas attorney general’s candidacy.
During the primary, Paxton criticized incumbent Senator John Cornyn as a “Washington insider” and a “RINO,” accusing him of spending $100 million on a campaign that, in Paxton’s view, should have been directed to Republicans in other states.
Funding Landscape and Party Dynamics
Groups that opposed Paxton in the primary are now contributing heavily to keep the seat in Republican hands. An ad‑tracking firm, AdImpact, estimates that up to $850 million could be spent in the race. A source close to Paxton noted, “The same people who tore him down earlier this year are now trying to rebuild him,” and added that Paxton “genuinely doesn’t like the DC people.”
Cornyn’s allies, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have warned that a Paxton nomination could force the party to spend millions to defend the seat, potentially harming down‑ballot Republicans.
Legal and Personal Background
Paxton’s political career has been marked by a series of scandals and legal challenges, including a 2023 impeachment vote by the Texas House of Representatives. He was acquitted of all charges by the state Senate. He is also navigating a contentious divorce, with his wife citing “biblical grounds” based on recent discoveries.
Despite these hurdles, the source said Paxton has never before found himself in a campaign where he feels like an underdog, pointing to his prior electoral successes as a state legislator and attorney general.
What’s Next for Texas Voters?
With the race officially classified as a toss‑up in the most recent Fox News Power Rankings, both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach in the coming weeks. Voters in Texas will have the opportunity to weigh Paxton’s outsider stance and Trump endorsement against Talarico’s policy platform as the midterm elections approach.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
